Update: Marvel Confirms Paul Rudd As ‘Ant-Man’, But Which One?

UPDATE: Marvel has released a statement confirming Paul Rudd for the role of Ant-Man in Edgar Wright’s Ant-Man film, but coyly avoided mentioning if the actor would be playing Hank Pym or another version of the hero. Marvel’s full statement reads as follows:

Marvel’s “Ant-Man” has found its hero in Paul Rudd, who will star in the new film from director Edgar Wright hitting theaters July 31, 2015!

The casting of Rudd represents the actor that Marvel and Wright had long ago identified as its first choice to play Ant-Man, continuing the studio’s desire to cast actors that bring several dimensions to its onscreen heroes. The film’s plot is being kept under wraps.

“When Edgar Wright came to us with the idea of Paul Rudd, we felt a huge sense of relief because the first step in creating any Marvel Studios film is finding the right star,” said Marvel’s Kevin Feige. “We knew early on that we had found the right person in Paul. When he not only agreed to do it but became as enthusiastic as any actor we’d ever met with about doing the work, we knew we’d found the right guy. We couldn’t be more excited for our audiences to see what he’s going to do to bring Ant-Man to life.”

Rudd brings a diverse background to the role having become one of the industry’s most known actors with a reputation for smart, funny and creative performances. Rudd can currently be seen in “Anchor Man 2: The Legend Continues,” as well as past roles in “Anchorman,” “This Is 40,” “I Love You, Man,” “Role Models,” “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” “Our Idiot Brother,” “Knocked Up,” and “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” among numerous other films, television shows and primetime animation.

The Wrap first reported on Rudd’s selection for the role on Wednesday and said that Hank Pym was the role in question. While Marvel and Wright have been less forthcoming with the details, The Wrap makes no mention of the fact that Hank Pym may not be the Ant-Man Rudd is playing. The news site seems quite confident that Pym is the guy, but given what the studio and the director have said thus far, I’m still wondering if another Ant-Man will be the hero in this film.

One of Us’ original story is below.

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It would appear that we have an Ant-Man, ladies and gentlemen. According to The Wrap, multiple sources have confirmed that Paul Rudd has been selected for the lead role in the upcoming Ant-Man film and is currently in negotiations to play Hank Pym.

The Wrap reported yesterday in response to queries about Rudd’s noticeable weight loss, several reliable sources stated that it is because he has been undergoing a training regimen to prepare for the role of Ant-Man. Rudd’s main competition for the role was was Joseph Gordon-Levitt and both men had been considered frontrunners to play Hank Pym since October.

Hank Pym is one of leading scientific minds in the Marvel universe. One of his many notable inventions is a substance that allows him to alter his size. He uses this material and a cybernetic helmet that allows him to communicate with insects to become Ant-Man. The film adaptation will be directed by Edgar Wright and is slated for release on July 31, 2015.

Paul Rudd’s comedic acting has been well-received, particularly in the Anchorman films and during his stint on Saturday Night Live. That being said, it appears that at least in this first film, Marvel seeks to highlight the more comedic aspects of the character and underplaying the tragic parts of Pym’s background. Hank Pym has struggled with several vices and personal issues, such as domestic abuse and mental instability, during throughout his history. Many fans view these negative elements as key components of the character. While I am certain Rudd can make us like Pym, his ability to portray the less likeable parts of Ant-Man are just as important. Hopefully he can be as unsavory as he can be funny.

Do you believe Rudd is the right man for the role? How should the Ant-Man film balance the Hank Pym we love with the negative aspects of the character? Let us know in the comments!

Dimitry is a seasoned researcher, a public media enthusiast, a lifelong gamer, and a fanatical technophile. While he holds degrees in political science, public policy, and legislative affairs from two of the nation’s finest universities, Dimitry is most proud of his Bachelor of Chiptune awarded by the chip-punk gods of Anamanaguchi. Additionally, Dimitry regularly spends far too much money on movies, video games, graphic novels, music, and the rest of his geeky passions. After a brief stint as a podcast host and a summer working with National Public Radio’s Intelligence Squared U.S., Dimitry is making his triumphant return to media as a member of the OneOfUs crew.